Shimla, June 15: Popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh witnessed severe traffic disruption over the weekend as a surge of visitors escaping the summer heat in the plains led to prolonged congestion on key hill routes, stranding hundreds of travellers for hours.
One of the worst affected stretches was the 22-kilometre Khajjiar–Dalhousie corridor via Lakarmandi in Chamba district, where traffic movement came to a near standstill on Sunday. Long queues of vehicles stretched across the scenic mountain pass, leaving tourists stuck for extended periods and forcing some to abandon their travel plans midway.
Lakarmandi, a high-altitude junction connecting Dalhousie with Khajjiar often referred to as the “mini Switzerland of India” is a critical route that usually takes about an hour to traverse under normal conditions. However, the weekend rush turned the picturesque drive into a prolonged ordeal due to overwhelming vehicle density and inadequate traffic regulation.
Frustrated travellers questioned the administration over the absence of effective traffic control despite the collection of multiple tourist related charges. Several visitors alleged that while entry fees and other levies continue to be imposed, on-ground arrangements such as traffic management, sanitation, and basic amenities remain insufficient.
Tourists from various states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, reported being stuck in jams for nearly four hours. Many expressed disappointment over what they described as a lack of visible administrative presence during peak congestion hours. Complaints also emerged regarding the absence of basic facilities such as drinking water and public toilets at critical points along the route.
Local residents pointed out that vehicle inflow on the Dalhousie Khajjiar road increases significantly during peak tourist seasons, but supporting infrastructure such as parking zones, road widening, and traffic regulation mechanisms have not expanded in proportion to demand. As a result, recurring traffic bottlenecks have become a seasonal norm.
The situation was not limited to Chamba district alone. In Kangra district, the scenic route between Dharamshala and Upper Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) also witnessed heavy congestion. What is typically a short and smooth drive through the hills turned into hours-long delays, causing inconvenience to both tourists and daily commuters.
The traffic gridlock has also raised concerns about emergency response delays. Ambulances carrying critically ill patients, school transport vehicles, and government officials reportedly faced significant hold ups due to bumper to bumper traffic conditions. Locals warned that such disruptions could pose serious risks in emergency situations if not addressed urgently.
Residents and transport operators in McLeod Ganj highlighted that congestion is now directly impacting local livelihoods. Shopkeepers and service providers said many tourists are increasingly avoiding the region after hearing about frequent traffic jams, leading to a decline in business activity during peak seasons.
Transport operators echoed similar concerns, stating that unpredictable travel times are discouraging visitors from booking trips to popular destinations in and around Dharamshala. They urged authorities to introduce regulated entry systems, expand parking capacity, and deploy dedicated traffic management teams during peak weekends and holiday seasons.
Experts and locals have called for a long-term mobility strategy that balances tourism growth with sustainable infrastructure planning. Suggestions include improved traffic routing systems, time-based vehicle entry regulation, additional policing during rush periods, and expansion of alternative access routes to reduce pressure on main corridors.
Himachal Pradesh continues to remain one of India’s most visited hill destinations, attracting domestic and international tourists, pilgrims, trekkers, and spiritual seekers. However, recurring traffic congestion during peak seasons is increasingly emerging as a challenge that could affect the region’s tourism experience if left unaddressed.
As the weekend rush subsides, the incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for coordinated planning between tourism development and infrastructure management to ensure smoother mobility in the state’s fragile hill ecosystem.